Israel Agrees To Ceasefire Deal With Lebanon
Landmark Agreement Aims to End Deadly Border Conflict as Israel Prepares Gradual Withdrawal and Lebanon Deploys Troops
- Hostilities will end at 4 a.m. local time after US and French mediation
- Israel to pull troops over 60 days as Lebanon's army deploys 5,000 soldiers near the border
- Deal aims to prevent Hezbollah's resurgence and refocus on broader Middle East peace efforts
Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a ceasefire set to begin Wednesday, following negotiations mediated by the United States and France, U.S. President Joe Biden announced Tuesday.
The ceasefire is intended to end a deadly conflict along the Israeli-Lebanese border that has claimed thousands of lives since being triggered by the Gaza war last year.
In a statement from the White House, Biden confirmed the ceasefire would take effect at 4 a.m. local time (0200 GMT).
He emphasized that the agreement aims for a “permanent cessation of hostilities” and would prevent Hezbollah and other groups from threatening Israel’s security.
Israel’s security cabinet approved the deal in a 10-1 vote, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed strict enforcement.
He also highlighted the opportunity to replenish arms, focus on other threats, and isolate Hamas.
As part of the agreement, Israel will gradually withdraw its forces over 60 days, with Lebanon deploying at least 5,000 troops in southern areas to ensure Hezbollah cannot rebuild its infrastructure.
Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the deal, as did French President Emmanuel Macron, who praised the collaborative efforts leading to the agreement.
The United Nations and the UNIFIL peacekeeping force will support monitoring efforts, with U.S. and French involvement in deterring violations.
President Biden pledged continued efforts for broader peace in the region, including progress on Israel-Gaza and normalization talks with Saudi Arabia.
